Benedict XVI, Rest in Peace

When I heard on the TV that John Paul II died, that he went home to the Father's house, I cried.

It was a spontaneous reaction that I was even surprised but the tears flowed like water from an opened dam.

When I saw in the internet that Benedict XVI died, I felt sorry, but no tears flowed.

But, books written by Benedict filled my bookshelves but there was none of John Paul II.

Maybe, there might be one or two, hidden somewhere but I am not very sure.

I think this is what Benedict XVI represents for many us.

He was not someone who has the charisma of John Paul II who can touched the hearts and imagination of people, but certainly, Benedict influenced us with his thoughts and writings.

There might be no tears for Benedict nor massive crowds gathering to celebrate his memory, but he will remain a figure that will always be there to make theologians comfortable or uncomfortable.

A figure who will always be remembered as a champion of theology and a true interpreter of the Word of God.

Or someone who has stiffled the progress of Theology with his conservatism.

It depends on what side of the aisle you are standing.

Was the death of Benedict the end of an era?

After all, he was the only one left of those young theologians who attended the Second Vatican Council.

Benedict, however, is a man of faith whose love for Jesus were uttered with his dying breath.

His "Spiritual Testament," written when he was still Pope, reminded us that it is faith that is the correct guide to interpret the Word of God, not "science" (exegesis) or social research.

Since these sciences and historical analysis are merely trends that every generation will claim as the sure and certain way of interpreting God's Word only to be debunked and replaced by a more pretentious but equally ephemeral interpretation.

In the end, Benedict affirmed that "Jesus Christ is truly the Way, the Truth, and the Life - and the Church, in all her shortcomings, is truly His Body."

However, his memory will always be marred by his resignation of the Papal ministry.

Was Benedict a coward who abandoned the Lord's flock in the midst of wolves?

Or was he a practical man who given his inability to administer gave way so that others who are far more capable can take charge of the barque of Peter?

Whatever your thoughts on this, the "great refusal," it will haunt the memory of Benedict forever.

Unlike that of John Paul II, there was no crowds gathering in the Vatican Square to mourn his death.

It was the New Year's after all. The whole of Rome and the world were busy celebrating the end of 2022 and the start of a new year.

Is this a sign that Benedict's resignation and seclusion in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery made him distant and absent from the lives of the ordinary people?

How the legacy of Benedict will unfold in the coming years is something that is yet to be seen.

In the meantime, may the Lord have mercy on the soul of his servant Joseph Ratzinger.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons.